PS3 Owner Gets $100 Rebate for Losing Linux

When we reported that Sony would be ditching OtherOS support, killing off the ability to run Linux on your console, a lot of you suggested that this couldn't be legal. What about people who purchased the PS3 with this feature in mind? Wouldn't taking it away mean the console no longer performed as advertised?

Well, that's what one European user said when he complained to Amazon. PlayStation University reports that NeoGAF forum moderator "iapetus" received over $100 in credit from Amazon for his original purchase of his PlayStation 3. Iapetus filed a complaint with the etailer on the grounds that removing Linux support violates European Union consumer laws. Amended in 2002 to affect all EU member states, the law states that all goods "must be fit for the purpose which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase."

The response iapetus got from Amazon is pasted below:

"We are writing to confirm that we have processed your refund in the amount of £84.00 for your Order 666-5327564-4432412. This refund is for the following item(s): Item: Sony PlayStation 3 Console (60GB Premium Version) Quantity: 1 ASIN: B0007SV734 Reason for refund: Account adjustment The following is the breakdown of your refund for this item: Item Refund: £71.49 Item Tax Refund: £12.51"

PlayStation University reports that because Sony made it known at the time of purchase that you would be able to install an ‘Other OS’ the owner was able to raise this issue with Amazon. Amazon's policy was to offer a partial refund whether the consumer had used that feature or not.

It's not yet clear if Amazon has awarded other PS3 owners similar rebates, or even if anyone else has tried to get a refund.

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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.